Major changes are on the horizon in labor law, due to the November 7th elections as well as a recent ruling by the National Labor Relations Board. The "Smoke Free Workplace Act" has been passed, Ohio's minimum wage will increase, and the definition of "supervisor" has been altered.
- Attention Ohio Employers: The “NO SMOKING” Sign is Lit -- On November 7th, Ohio voters overwhelmingly approved the “Smoke Free Workplace Act.” Employers should begin planning now to come into compliance on or close to the December 7th effective date.
- Ohio Increases Minimum Wage and Recordkeeping Burden on Employers -- On November 7, voters in Ohio also said “yes” to an amendment to the Ohio Constitution that increases the minimum wage, sets the stage for annual “cost-of-living” increases and grants employees new rights to access certain of their employment records. Changes go into effect January 1, 2007.
- Ruling on Supervisory Status May Affect Employees’ Ability to Unionize -- In a widely-watched case regarding who is a “supervisor,” the National Labor Relations Board recently ruled that certain workers in a wide variety of industries are not covered under federal labor law, and thus are unable to join unions and engage in collective bargaining.
